‘Simple Machines’ display at the John Dickinson Plantation
The John Dickinson Plantation, located at 340 Kitts Hummock Road in Dover, Del., is currently featuring the display “Simple Machines” which focuses on the six simple machines (inclined plane, screw, wedge, pulley, lever, and wheel and axle) that constitute the elementary building blocks of which many more-complicated machines are composed. Each of these machines was in common usage at the plantation during the lifetime of John Dickinson.
“Simple Machines” was created by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Collections, Affiliates, Research and Exhibits (CARE) Team working together with the staff of the John Dickinson Plantation. The display opened on June 10, 2009 and will be on-view for an undetermined period of time.
Tuesdays: Outdoor visitation only. Grounds open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesdays: Visitor center and grounds open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursdays through Saturdays: Visitor center and grounds open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guided tours of the mansion at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
The grounds of the John Dickinson Plantation are open for outdoor visitation on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The visitor center is open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guided tours of the mansion are available from Thursdays through Saturdays at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. For additional information, call 302-739-3277.
The John Dickinson Plantation, Delaware’s first National Historic Landmark, was the boyhood home of John Dickinson, known as the “Penman of the Revolution” and a framer and signer of the U.S. Constitution. Dickinson wrote about freedom and liberty for all while continuing to hold human beings in bondage. The plantation shares the stories of the Dickinsons; the tenant farmers; the trades people; the indentured servants; the free and enslaved people; and the families who lived, labored and died on the land. Administered by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, the museum is a partner site in the First State National Historical Park.
Go to the following for a full listing of exhibits and displays at the museums of the State of Delaware.
Go to the following for a comprehensive, long-term calendar of events sponsored by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs.